CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
CALL TO ORDER M aria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director of Parks and Recreation P
LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police
RO
LL CALL Y odit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT M ayor Maria Davila, Vice Mayor Joshua Barron, Council Member Gil Hurtado and Council Member Al Rios; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Rob Houston, City Attorney Raúl F. Salinas EXCUSED/ABSENT C ouncil Member Maria del Pilar Avalos
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING The City Council approved items A & B by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Hurtado:
a. R
esolution No. 2025-28-CC entitled A Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, approving the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (“CAPER”); and
b. A
uthorized the City Manager, or designee, to submit to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development the Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 CAPER.
C
arol Averell, Housing Manager, gave a presentation.
C
ouncil Member Hurtado is disappointed with the continue graffiti and the amount of money the city spends for graffiti abatement.
C
ouncil Member Rios questioned if the city would continue applying for federal funding.
M
s. Averell stated that there was an 11% cut for this year for CDBG. The city is waiting for the contracts for this fiscal year.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT’D Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item. Seeing no one step forward; Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused.
2 MUNICIPAL CODE
ADMIN The City Council approved items A & B by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Rios:
a. Waived the reading in full and introduced Ordinance No. 2025-01-CC entitled An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California amending Title 11, Chapter 11.43 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Structures) of the South Gate Municipal Code; and
b. Accepted the determination that the proposed amendment is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) as a “ministerial” project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15268(a).
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, stated Joshua Valdez, Associate Planner, will be giving the presentation. This item is before City Council because the city has not updated the ADU ordinance Accessory Dwelling Units since 2021. There are new laws ever year that are passed by the state that amend rules for ADUs across the state and the city must comply with the requirements.
Joshua Valdez, Associate Planner, gave the presentation.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked Mr. Valdez for the presentation. He stated this community is overrun with difficulties with finding parking and the State of California is saying there is a housing crisis. He understands the need for housing but does not agree to adding more housing.
Mayor Davia stated the City of South Gate is required to build 8,282 units and the city will keep having parking issues.
Council Member Rios stated that on the governor’s desk is a bill that would allow building six-story buildings/housing in neighborhoods which would create problems.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
2 MUNICIPAL CODE
ADMIN CONT’D Council Member Hurtado stated the City of Jurupa has the same population as the City of South Gate and does not understand why the City of Jurupa is only required to build 2,400 units and South Gate is required to build 8,282 units.
Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item. Seeing no one step forward; Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA Steve Soto thanked Council Member Rios for inviting him tonight. Mr.
Soto has been writing poems and an author for over 60 years. He has been a guest poet columnist for the Desert Sun newspaper. A newspaper that serves Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Mr. Soto wrote and read a poem called “Home of the Brave” in response to unconscionable treatment of immigrants.
South Gate resident informed City Council that he was on his bicycle heading eastbound on Santa Ana Street between California and Otis where he fell forward due to uneven streets. He is requesting the streets to be fixed.
Carlos Gonzalez, Jr., South Gate resident, is a parent and volunteer and is speaking on behalf of the American Youth Soccer Organization, also known as AYSO. He informed Council that AYSO practice at Hollydale Park and is requesting better lighting.
Heidi Portillo and her son are present tonight reading a statement prepared by all the families in NYSO asking for better lighting at Hollydale Park.
Sergio Sanchez stated his son play for NYSO. The previous parents already spoke on the lighting issues at Hollydale Park, but there are other issues, for example the men’s restrooms.
Mario Sanchez and his children are present tonight. Mr. Sanchez stated his children are members of AYSO and having children play sports keeps them busy and out of trouble. He reiterated about having better lighting at Hollydale Park.
Consuelo Godoy, South Gate resident, is requesting City Council to place a flagpole and a flag in front of city hall in memory of Nicolas “Nick”
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
CONT’D Godoy. Mr. Godoy was a member of the VFW for 20 years. She stated if funds are needed to please inform her.
Juan Contreras also spoke on the conditions of the restrooms at Hollydale Park and poor lighting.
EMAILS Mario Dominguez, South Gate resident, is requesting the City of South Gate develop a bike trail on Southern Avenue like the City of Bellflower.
He stated South Gate is not bike friendly and the Gate buses lack bike racks.
Claudia Rivera, South Gate resident, is questioning Councilwoman Avalo’s character for proposing Robert Montalvo to the Parks Commission. Ms. Rivera and her family will no longer support Council Members Avalos and Rios.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Mayor Davila asked Mr. Costley about Hollydale Park restrooms.
Mr. Costley will check on Hollydale Regional Park. He mentioned the park is farther away from the community and next to the riverbeds. Every time the Parks Department places partition doors, they get stolen. The city has put thousands of thousands of dollars into doors. Mr. Costley will speak with the restroom industry businesses about new and improved doors.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, addressed the condition of the sidewalk on Santa Ana.
Mayor Davila requested the street be looked at.
Council Member Hurtado explained the process on the non-agenda items.
Mr. Houston explained the chain of command and asked Mr. Costley if he was familiar with the folks that spoke tonight.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated yes, the parks department has liaison information to the AYSO.
Mr. Costley thanked everyone that was able to attend the new teen room at the girls clubhouse. On October 4
th there is the Art Walk in front of the
auditorium. Everyone is invited to attend the opening of the renovated Circle Park at 4 p.m. on October 13th. He also mentioned Fireworks show at the Halloween event.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, no updates.
Luis Frausto, Director of Administrative Services, no updates.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, no updates.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, announced the Third South Gate Annual Classic Car Show scheduled for this Saturday at 10 o’clock. He also mentioned taking possession of their second Harley-Davidson motorcycle courtesy of Office of Traffic Safety.
Rob Houston, City Manager, informed the public that their comments are heard. The AYSO may have a dialogue with the Director of Parks & Recreation. He also mentioned the city’s limitations at Hollydale Park due to Edison Easement with powerlines.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney, nothing to report.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, nothing to report.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, mentioned the City Clerk’s Office processes passport applications by appointment. Currently the appointments are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and starting this Monday, we will have afternoon appointments from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Council Member Rios is suggesting AYSO using the LAUSD field or exploring other city facilities that have lighting.
Council Member Rios enjoyed Mr. Soto’s poem. He attended a water workshop and stated two thirds of our water comes from Northern California. He asked Mr. Costley to speak about the Senior Adult Transportation Popup.
Mr. Costley stated this Friday the city will be connecting the seniors with the Metro, local bus and dial-a-ride.
Council Member Hurtado mentioned the homeless by the riverbed have been lighting very loud fireworks. He informed Connie Godoy that Nick Godoy was very nice to him. Nick Godoy was a good person. He commended the parents for volunteering and having their children in the AYSO. He stated speaking to a representative or consultant for the bus route regarding bike racks. The consultant stated because the way the bus is set up, a permanent rack cannot be placed but will see if a temporary rack can be placed.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D Vice Mayor Barron thanked AYSO for attending tonight’s meeting and the parents for volunteering.
Vice Mayor Barron is the President of the SELA Kiwanis and mentioned September 30th will be the Second Annual College Fair and Career Fair at the Henry C. Gonzalez Auditorium from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be over 27 universities, colleges, and workforce development organizations. He thanked Supervisor Janice Hanh and Assembly Member Solache for their contribution to the event for the scholarships.
Vice Mayor Barron mentioned that on October 4
th Kiwanis is hosting a car
show as a fundraiser in the City of Bell Gardens, Ford Park. He had the opportunity to visit the Western Carpenters Union Center in Carson. He attended an event this weekend for the Save America Movement. Food distribution is still being done through the SELA Kiwanis Organization and Southeast Leadership Foundation.
Mayor Davila attended the new teen room and thanked Mr. Costley and staff for their hard work putting the room together. She is planning to attend the Transportation Popup on Friday and thanked the AYSO parents for bringing their concerns to City Council.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were approved by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes (voted no on 5); Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused.
3 SURPLUS PERSONAL
PROPERTY MGMT The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2025-29-CC entitled A Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate declaring the items listed in Attachment B (Bicycles & Miscellaneous Items) and Attachment C (Vehicles & Equipment) as surplus, obsolete, or unserviceable City personal property.
b. Authorized the City Manager or designee to dispose of the declared items through public auction conducted by U.S. Auctions of Ontario, CA; and to execute all related documents consistent with budgeted appropriations.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
3 SURPLUS PERSONAL
PROPERTY MGMT CONT’D
c. Authorized the City Manager or designee to dispose of any items not accepted by the auctioneer or failing to sell by using one or more of the following methods, as appropriate: recycling/salvage, scrap, inter- agency transfer, trade-in/credit, donation to another public agency, or landfill, in compliance with applicable laws and City policies.
4 LAW ENFORCEMENT The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2025-30-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crim Task Force Joint Powers Agreement (LA Impact JPA);
b. The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force Joint Powers Agreement (Contract No. 2025-59- CC), thus authorizing the City's Membership in the LA Impact Authority; and
c. Authorized the City Manager to Execute the JPA Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
5 PERSONNEL - MOU BETW
CITY & EMPLEE GROUPS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2025-31-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving the SGMEA MOU (Contract No. 2025-60-CC), SGPMMA MOU (Contract No. 2025-61- CC), SGDMA MOU (Contract No. 2025-62-CC), SGPMA MOU
(Contract No. 2025-63-CC), SGPOA MOU (Contract No. 2025-64- CC), and the Executive Terms (Contract No. 2025-65-CC) for the term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the comprehensive successor Memorandums of Understanding in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
6 PERSONNEL ADMIN The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-32-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving and adopting an updated consolidated pay schedule for all full- time and selected part-time employees within the CalPERS guidelines during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
7 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-33-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California during Consent Calendar:
a. The creation of the full-time Principal Accountant position in the Administrative Services Department;
b. The reclassification of the full-time City Traffic Engineer to the full- time Transportation and Capital Improvement Program Division Manager in the Public Works Department;
c. The reclassification of one (1) full-time Principal Civil Engineer positions to the full-time Water Resources and Development Division Manager in the Public Works Department;
d. The elimination of the full-time Deputy City Engineer position in the Public Works Department; and
e. Directed staff to update the Consolidated Salary Schedule by adding the Principal Accountant, Transportation and Capital Improvement Program Division Manager, and Water Resources and Development Division Manager Titles, Pay Grades, and Pay Ranges.
8 FINANCIAL MGMT The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. A Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 2025-66-CC) with Simpler Systems, Inc., to provide financial reporting software (“Simpler Platform”) and related professional services with a not-to- exceed amount of $51,380 (License $17,500 + Professional Services $30,800 + 10% contingency $3,080), and ongoing Monthly License & Maintenance of $1,750 (annualized $21,000), subject to annual appropriation;
b. Authorized the issuance of a Purchase Order to Simpler, by a sole- source determination based on proprietary functionality and its “datapps” architecture and market uniqueness for Eden-based financial reporting, pursuant to SGMC § 1.54.510; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
9 LAW ENFORCEMENT
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2025-67-CC) with All City Management Services, Inc. (“ACMS”), for crossing guard services for a one (1) year term, effective July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
10 TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING/ADMIN The City Council approved a Memorandums of Understanding (“MOU”) (Contract No. 2025-68-CC) with Gateway Cities Council of Governments (“GCCOG”) for technical assistance for a Regional Early Action Planning (“REAP”) Subregional Partnership (“SRP”) 2.0 Program Grant funded by Southern California Association of Governments (“SCAG”) during Consent Calendar.
11 MINUTES The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of August 12, 2025; and
b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of August 26, 2025.
12 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS The City Council ratified the appointment by Council Member Gil Hurtado of Evelyn Martinez to the Citizen Advisory Committee and seconded by Mayor Davila.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 13 WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrant Register for September 23, 2025, by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
Total ofChecks: $ 5,603,571.95
Less:Voids $ (0.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (430,338.43)
GrandTotal: $ 5,173,233.52
Cancellations: None
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Hurtado adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 28" day of October 2025.
ATTEST:
Maria Davila, Mayor Yodit aze, City Clerk